BOZEMAN, Mont. — Haynes Pavilion in Bozeman is nearing a new look as hockey season approaches, with major renovations underway ahead of games scheduled to begin at the end of September.
Gallatin Ice had spent the spring and summer working on updates at the pavilion after shutting it down for the season. The work is aimed at improving the experience for people coming to the rink.
“This west side project began on December 15th — is when we broke ground there. And then when the ice came out in April, we really got after it,” said Jeffrey Moore, Gallatin Ice philanthropy director.
The west side work includes new benches, new seats, an executive suite, a new restaurant, pub and mezzanine along with new locker rooms and bathrooms. The renovation also builds on 300 seats installed on the east side and a video screen installed last year.
Gallatin Ice said the updates would bring the venue to 1,500 total seats.
“These are pretty extensive renovations. These are the biggest renovations we've done at the ice rink in the last 20 years. It's an $8 million reno,” Moore said.
The work marks the second phase of the "Finish the Ice Barn" effort. The next phase is set to focus on a central entryway with new offices and a rental skate area.
Moore said it has taken years of work to reach this point for the facility.
“Now that we've got the sponsors and the donations and kind of people are starting to see what we're doing and it's going to be finished out, it's like, I think the entire community is going to have a real sense of accomplishment, like, 'Oh, wow, this is what we always dreamed of, and it's finally here,”' he said.
Fundraising is still underway through Gallatin Ice. Naming rights for the new blue seats are available and buyers will get first access to season tickets for the next five years.